Page 33 - Florida Sentinel 10-26-20

Health
Wrinkles
These show up as your skin gets thinner, drier, and less elastic. But some things can make them worse, like smok- ing and ultraviolet rays from the sun or a tanning bed. To ease these signs of aging, protect your skin from the sun, and if you smoke, quit. Some skin prod- ucts, like moisturizers or prescription
retinoids, might make wrinkles less noticeable. But you’ll need to give them time to work -- most need 6 weeks to 3 months to show results. A dermatologist can help you know what would work best for you.
Memory Glitches
They might feel alarming, but they’re part of the normal aging process. Your brain changes as you get older, which can affect how well you remember things. You may need to lean on a few tricks, like keeping lists, following a routine, and putting items in a set place. But some habits also help you keep your memory sharp. For example, being around friends and family often has been shown to boost your brain power. Regular exercise and eating healthy foods are key, too.
Loss of Muscle
Many people lose strength and endurance as they get older, but the reason isn’t really about the aging process. Many people just stop working key muscles. The phrase “use it or lose it” ap- plies here, so see if you can start weight training to build up your strength.
Regular exercise, like walk- ing, gardening, or swimming, can help, too. Aim for at least 30 minutes a day -- you can split it into two 15-minute sessions if that works better for you.
Feeling Lonely
Whether your kids move out or you retire from your job, you may spend more time around fewer people as you age. To avoid feeling isolated, make it part of your daily routine to talk with friends, family, and neighbors. Volunteer for a charity or a faith- based group. Simply writing a let- ter can give your social life a boost. A pet can be good for com- panionship, too -- a daily dog walk is good exercise and a chance to meet people.
Little Aches And Pains
Whether it’s an old injury that keeps flaring up or the start of arthritis, you’re more likely to feel a few aches more often as you age. Regular movement can ease pain and make your joints more flexi- ble. Try low-impact exercises like swimming, yoga, and tai- chi. Heating pads or ice packs can help, too. If those don’t
give you enough relief, talk to your doctor about over-the-counter or prescription medicines, like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Weight Gain
As you get older, you don’t burn calories like you used to. But you can counter that slower me- tabolism by being more active and watching what and how much you eat. Make fruits, vegetables, and leaner protein key parts of your diet. Also, limit sugar and foods that are high in saturated fat. And keep an eye on portion sizes.
Dry Skin
Sun protection and quitting smoking will help this problem, too. So will watching how much alcohol you drink -- it can dehy- drate you. It’s a good idea to keep showers or baths to less than 10 minutes and to use warm water instead of hot. Then put a heavy, oil-based moisturizer all over your body right away.
PAGE 10-B FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAY FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2020